Spain was an absolutely life-changing year! Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/29/2013 to 06/15/2013 with

CIEE: Seville - Advanced Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I not only mastered Spanish, but I made friends for life, learned to cope in a totally new environment, learned to become more independent, and had so much fun becoming a Sevillan during the year.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find an easy job like baby-sitting to earn extra cash while there

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A Spanish literature course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make local friends who speak that language, because then you are forced to practice

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My advisors
  • The support they gave for classes
  • The way I felt absolutely comfortable with anyone in the program
* What could be improved?
  • I wish the courses offered by the program were better
  • More immersion time for Americans within the program
  • Better support for those looking to do community service because the current advisor is very rude and unhelpful to students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's really important to take advantage of everything offered and to really take initiative if there are activities/things you want to pursue. No one is going to lay opportunities in front of you, you have to seek them out

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'